WEBVTT 00:00:10.376 --> 00:00:14.115 Hi, I'm Sheryl Burgstahler, director of the DO-IT programs 00:00:14.116 --> 00:00:16.035 at the University of Washington in Seattle. 00:00:16.036 --> 00:00:20.375 There are thousands of students on this campus, and some of them have disabilities 00:00:20.376 --> 00:00:23.575 that at one time would have blocked them from academic achievement. 00:00:23.576 --> 00:00:25.200 Attitudes have changed, 00:00:25.200 --> 00:00:30.195 career and school opportunities have changed, even the law has changed. 00:00:30.196 --> 00:00:36.175 What hasn't changed is that all students need academic and career skills, self-confidence, 00:00:36.176 --> 00:00:38.865 self-advocacy skills, and determination. 00:00:39.866 --> 00:00:43.385 Since 1992, DO-IT has applied research-based, 00:00:43.386 --> 00:00:47.895 proven practices to help students with disabilities build these strengths. 00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:51.125 Now we'd like to share with you our knowledge and experience. 00:00:51.126 --> 00:00:54.875 We'll show you what we do and how we do it. 00:01:13.076 --> 00:01:16.075 Through our DO-IT Scholars program, we prepare high school students 00:01:16.076 --> 00:01:19.815 with disabilities for college and careers. 00:01:20.816 --> 00:01:26.815 It taught me a lot of things about college. 00:01:26.816 --> 00:01:35.425 That gave me some, you know, belief or strength that I can do things. 00:01:35.426 --> 00:01:38.355 I'm loving every minute of it. It's really great. 00:01:38.456 --> 00:01:45.195 The people here are so nice; you can relate to them; it's been a wonderful experience. 00:01:46.196 --> 00:01:50.000 DO-IT's helping me get to the level I need to be. 00:01:50.186 --> 00:01:52.245 After that, then you can take biology. 00:01:52.246 --> 00:01:57.000 DO-IT encourages students to prepare for college and for challenging career fields 00:01:57.006 --> 00:02:01.000 such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 00:02:01.009 --> 00:02:05.305 I want to become a pediatric psychiatrist because I want to be able 00:02:05.306 --> 00:02:08.315 to help children with disabilities. 00:02:08.316 --> 00:02:12.155 I was thinking about majoring in law or journalism, something like that. 00:02:12.156 --> 00:02:18.000 Probably computer science, software, maybe software engineering. 00:02:18.009 --> 00:02:22.335 Maybe I'll help Microsoft make software or something; build it, design it, you know. [ laughs ] 00:02:22.336 --> 00:02:26.055 This is for the appearance you can choose for the different-sized fonts... 00:02:26.056 --> 00:02:30.625 And DO-IT offers access to empowering tools such as computers, 00:02:30.626 --> 00:02:33.055 assistive technology, and the Internet. 00:02:33.056 --> 00:02:37.875 On this tool bar you will find buttons that help you write. 00:02:37.976 --> 00:02:41.000 I think the support, the internships, being able to ask questions, 00:02:41.009 --> 00:02:42.635 being able to have things explained to me, 00:02:42.636 --> 00:02:47.275 that allows me to improve my own process and develop my skills. 00:02:48.276 --> 00:02:52.975 It's, like, really fun 'cause we get to learn how college is going to be like and what 00:02:52.976 --> 00:02:56.695 to do, what not to do, and the services that are out there for us that we never knew about. 00:02:57.696 --> 00:03:00.785 There are three phases in the DO-IT Scholars program. 00:03:00.786 --> 00:03:06.905 You should be able to select electronic portfolios - the DO-IT Scholars... 00:03:06.906 --> 00:03:09.985 In Phase I, students learn to use computers 00:03:09.986 --> 00:03:13.245 for educational enrichment and enhanced communication. 00:03:13.246 --> 00:03:17.205 Yeah, I use it a lot, because my cerebral palsy makes my hands very tight 00:03:17.206 --> 00:03:19.595 and writing hurts a lot and takes me a long time. 00:03:19.596 --> 00:03:26.155 I use it for almost everything-typing, my homework, and making things, and e-mailing. 00:03:26.156 --> 00:03:31.875 They explore the Internet and connect electronically with Mentors and other Scholars. 00:03:31.876 --> 00:03:35.945 I've been on Internet, and I've, you know, had experience with that; 00:03:35.946 --> 00:03:40.435 but it really just opened my eyes to other things that were on the computer. 00:03:40.436 --> 00:03:44.005 DO-IT provides the computers, i ncluding assistive technology, 00:03:44.006 --> 00:03:46.055 for all students in the Scholars program. 00:03:46.056 --> 00:03:53.815 I am so excited, I'll be able to use it for school, I'll be able to use it at home, 00:03:53.816 --> 00:03:58.295 I'll be able to e-mail people, I'll be able to use it in high school, 00:03:58.296 --> 00:04:00.134 I mean there are so many options, it's great. 00:04:00.136 --> 00:04:01.165 Here you go. 00:04:01.166 --> 00:04:06.085 During Summer Study, Phase I Scholars spend two weeks living 00:04:06.086 --> 00:04:08.455 in the dorms at the University of Washington. 00:04:08.456 --> 00:04:15.815 Staying in the dorm, it really helps with getting the mindset of being more independent. 00:04:15.816 --> 00:04:17.095 Here's your folder and your nametag. 00:04:17.096 --> 00:04:18.765 Inside your folder is your schedule and.... 00:04:18.766 --> 00:04:23.785 Summer Study offers classes, labs, field trips, dances, 00:04:23.786 --> 00:04:25.585 and just hanging out with new friends. 00:04:25.586 --> 00:04:30.885 DO-IT Scholars are definitely teenagers first and students with disabilities second. 00:04:30.886 --> 00:04:36.875 There's all the social interaction that's usual, there's the interest, there's the energy level, 00:04:36.876 --> 00:04:40.145 there's just the excitement of being a teenager. 00:04:40.146 --> 00:04:42.535 I think you hit "enter" to get it to pop up. 00:04:42.536 --> 00:04:46.445 In Phase II, Scholars begin practicing leadership skills by acting 00:04:46.446 --> 00:04:48.085 as peer mentors for new Scholars. 00:04:48.086 --> 00:04:53.555 This is done on the Internet throughout the year, and in person during the Summer Study. 00:04:53.556 --> 00:04:55.575 They also work on individual projects. 00:04:55.576 --> 00:05:00.404 I want to learn the Web page so bad, and right now they get me into this workshop, 00:05:00.406 --> 00:05:03.215 and I learn how to do a Web page, and like how 00:05:03.216 --> 00:05:06.905 to write a newsletter article and all those, it's really good. 00:05:06.906 --> 00:05:11.845 Summer Study during the second year is one week of living on campus. 00:05:11.846 --> 00:05:16.915 My name is Rima Saha, and I'm a Phase II Scholar, and I was involved 00:05:16.916 --> 00:05:20.155 In the Web accessibility workshop this week.... 00:05:20.156 --> 00:05:23.965 Phase II Scholars work in groups to design and complete projects 00:05:23.966 --> 00:05:28.805 and then deliver presentations to a large audience of peers and parents. 00:05:31.406 --> 00:05:36.395 In Phase III, Scholars contribute to the DO-IT community by developing programs, 00:05:36.396 --> 00:05:41.045 writing newsletter articles, and assisting as interns in the Summer Study. 00:05:41.046 --> 00:05:45.215 I really liked the fact that DO-IT opened up that new opportunity for me, 00:05:45.216 --> 00:05:49.785 so it's a real positive building experience. 00:05:49.786 --> 00:05:54.725 We expect them to find participants who are maybe shy or a little bit lonely 00:05:54.726 --> 00:05:59.435 or just out of place, and interact with them and try to introduce them to some of their peers. 00:05:59.436 --> 00:06:04.345 And also in the evenings, we have a lot of just recreation activities and down time, 00:06:04.346 --> 00:06:09.265 and it's kind of their job to pull out games and come up with ideas for everyone to have fun 00:06:09.266 --> 00:06:13.345 and put groups together and get people kind of mingling in that way. 00:06:13.346 --> 00:06:16.455 By my third quarter, I found, like, the right people that I needed to get... 00:06:16.456 --> 00:06:19.115 in touch with, and things started to get better after that. 00:06:19.116 --> 00:06:24.125 When Scholars have graduated from high school and completed Phases I, II, and III, 00:06:24.126 --> 00:06:25.905 they can become DO-IT Ambassadors. 00:06:25.906 --> 00:06:30.245 Ambassadors help with the program, participate in e-mail groups, and, 00:06:30.246 --> 00:06:33.205 most importantly, mentor younger Scholars. 00:06:33.206 --> 00:06:38.115 I'm able to help and be able to give back, and just help out the staff 00:06:38.116 --> 00:06:40.955 of what they've been doing for me for the last couple of years. 00:06:40.956 --> 00:06:44.195 And it makes me feel better, you know, that I can give back 00:06:44.196 --> 00:06:46.935 to a program that's done so much for me. 00:06:55.116 --> 00:06:57.965 At DO-IT, we know we're making a difference. 00:06:57.966 --> 00:07:01.635 We can see it as the Scholars go on to college and careers. 00:07:01.636 --> 00:07:05.385 We measure our success by their choices and achievements. 00:07:06.386 --> 00:07:09.815 As a group, people with disabilities don't find the same career success 00:07:09.816 --> 00:07:11.735 as their peers without disabilities. 00:07:11.736 --> 00:07:16.035 And yet, today's high tech careers offer great opportunities. 00:07:16.036 --> 00:07:20.965 Assistive technology provides access to computers and scientific equipment, 00:07:20.966 --> 00:07:23.545 and some employers are learning that a small investment 00:07:23.546 --> 00:07:27.835 in accessibility can pay off in attracting great workers. 00:07:27.836 --> 00:07:30.965 DO-IT helps students visualize a successful future... 00:07:30.966 --> 00:07:33.105 and take the steps to get there. 00:07:33.106 --> 00:07:37.565 DO-IT applies research findings in preparing young people for college and careers. 00:07:37.566 --> 00:07:41.445 Our practices are consistent with youth development research. 00:07:41.446 --> 00:07:42.605 These practices include: 00:08:03.046 --> 00:08:07.115 Research tells us that when these elements are integrated into a comprehensive set 00:08:07.116 --> 00:08:10.000 of activities, they're more successful than isolated efforts. 00:08:10.009 --> 00:08:15.835 In the DO-IT Scholars program, we achieve that goal by combining computer and Internet access, 00:08:15.836 --> 00:08:23.025 multiple Summer Study programs, year-round mentor and peer support, and work experience. 00:08:23.026 --> 00:08:26.985 So, how does DO-IT do it? 00:08:26.986 --> 00:08:30.515 Well, something like this..... 00:08:32.516 --> 00:09:07.045 [ Music ] 00:09:06.046 --> 00:09:08.275 Did you get all that? 00:09:08.276 --> 00:09:12.175 Obviously, running our summer program isn't quite that frantic, 00:09:12.176 --> 00:09:14.695 but it does take a lot of planning. 00:09:14.696 --> 00:09:20.515 Let's run through it a little slower, and we'll show you how we put it all together. 00:09:23.516 --> 00:09:32.395 [ Music ] 00:09:32.396 --> 00:09:35.965 Washington State high school students who have disabilities and hope to go 00:09:35.966 --> 00:09:40.015 to college are encouraged to apply for the DO-IT Scholars program. 00:09:40.016 --> 00:09:44.295 To let potential Scholars know about us, we provide information about the program 00:09:44.296 --> 00:09:48.375 to high schools, as well as to other organizations working with students. 00:09:48.376 --> 00:09:52.165 The students who attend end up being a real combination 00:09:52.166 --> 00:09:56.795 from different geographical parts of the state, you know, rural versus urban; 00:09:56.796 --> 00:10:02.375 some are in special ed, others are pretty much mainstreamed and they have a couple of classes 00:10:02.376 --> 00:10:08.165 in a resource room; and also just students with different backgrounds in terms 00:10:08.166 --> 00:10:12.265 of their family support, some of them have had a great deal of support all the way 00:10:12.266 --> 00:10:17.865 through school, others, this is a real change and maybe the first time that they're learning 00:10:17.866 --> 00:10:20.755 about what the possibilities are. 00:10:20.756 --> 00:10:23.815 This will be Tressa's first year in Summer Study. 00:10:23.816 --> 00:10:28.015 We encourage students to apply in January of their sophomore year in high school. 00:10:28.016 --> 00:10:33.295 That's when DO-IT's Advisory Board begins reviewing applications and selecting Scholars. 00:10:33.296 --> 00:10:36.655 Sophomores are given first priority, then juniors. 00:10:36.656 --> 00:10:41.895 It's best when students start Phase I in the spring of their sophomore year. 00:10:41.896 --> 00:10:44.035 Then, when they move on to Phase II as juniors, 00:10:44.036 --> 00:10:46.255 we can help them with their college applications. 00:10:46.256 --> 00:10:48.685 I'm sure it will help me with my college plans, 00:10:48.686 --> 00:10:53.485 because it will open a huge support group for me, I won't be nervous, I won't have to depend 00:10:53.486 --> 00:11:00.054 on my mom to get all the information for me and go and make sure it's all okay, 00:11:00.056 --> 00:11:02.015 I'll be able to do it all myself. 00:11:06.016 --> 00:11:07.015 Hey! 00:11:07.016 --> 00:11:08.285 Hi, Tressa. 00:11:08.286 --> 00:11:08.934 How are you? 00:11:08.936 --> 00:11:09.985 I'm excited. 00:11:09.986 --> 00:11:13.595 Tressa is following her older sister into DO-IT. 00:11:13.596 --> 00:11:18.745 When Scholars join the program, the loan of a computer is a part of the package. 00:11:18.746 --> 00:11:21.305 Scholars use the computers at Summer Study, 00:11:21.306 --> 00:11:26.375 to participate in DO-IT throughout the year, and to succeed with school work. 00:11:26.376 --> 00:11:32.305 With the school work it will, with the note taking, will be way easier. 00:11:32.306 --> 00:11:37.965 With it there, I can get through it without having a horrible headache, without, you know, 00:11:37.966 --> 00:11:41.105 stopping and saying, "I can't do it anymore," and I'll be able to finish it, 00:11:41.106 --> 00:11:46.125 be able to get good grades and finish and be very excited. 00:11:46.126 --> 00:11:48.745 So we got all the Scholars laptops this year. 00:11:48.746 --> 00:11:49.675 That's really cool! 00:11:49.676 --> 00:11:54.685 Our technology specialist works with each Scholar individually before camp starts, 00:11:54.686 --> 00:11:58.135 delivering computers to homes and setting up connections. 00:11:58.136 --> 00:12:02.705 DO-IT provides both hardware and software for each student's particular needs. 00:12:02.706 --> 00:12:06.705 Tressa, for example, has a learning disability and migraine headaches. 00:12:06.706 --> 00:12:11.645 For Tressa, she got a computer, a scanner, and then scanning and reading software. 00:12:11.646 --> 00:12:17.005 And the scan read software allows users to either get an existing digital document 00:12:17.006 --> 00:12:21.175 and have it read back to them, or take hard copy, sit it on a scanner bed, 00:12:21.176 --> 00:12:25.075 scan in those pages, have it converted and read back to them. 00:12:25.076 --> 00:12:28.115 Click the "read" button to read your document. 00:12:28.116 --> 00:12:31.425 That was so exciting, I was so excited! 00:12:31.426 --> 00:12:36.155 I thought having a laptop would help me the best for college, because I could take my notes 00:12:36.156 --> 00:12:40.715 and have it right there...and I love photography, and so to have that scanner to scan 00:12:40.716 --> 00:12:45.665 in pictures just is amazing, so I'm very excited. 00:12:47.666 --> 00:12:51.235 Tressa's sister Lacey, a former DO-IT Scholar and now a DO-IT Ambassador, 00:12:51.236 --> 00:12:54.115 received a computer with other assistive technology. 00:12:54.116 --> 00:12:57.285 It was a breakthrough for her. 00:12:57.286 --> 00:13:11.815 The Internet opened up a big new world because it gave me a way 00:13:11.816 --> 00:13:22.395 to talk with all my friends and family. 00:13:25.396 --> 00:13:29.815 Once Scholars receive their computers, an e-mail message goes out from DO-IT 00:13:29.816 --> 00:13:34.195 to Mentors, Scholars, and Ambassadors, asking them to welcome the new student. 00:13:34.196 --> 00:13:38.415 So as soon as their computer is set up at home and they log on, 00:13:38.416 --> 00:13:44.445 suddenly all these e-mails will show up welcoming them to the larger DO-IT community. 00:13:44.446 --> 00:13:48.605 Throughout the year, DO-IT staff is available to answer computer questions. 00:13:48.606 --> 00:13:52.835 We've got a coverage program through the firm that we buy the computers from, 00:13:52.836 --> 00:13:54.835 which covers the hardware issues. 00:13:54.836 --> 00:13:58.455 So if there's a hardware failure, we have on-site tech support, 00:13:58.456 --> 00:14:00.914 can just show up to their home, fix the hardware issue. 00:14:00.916 --> 00:14:04.245 If it's a software issue, they've done something wrong and messed 00:14:04.246 --> 00:14:06.535 up the system, they usually call me. 00:14:06.536 --> 00:14:09.785 And if there's something we can work out over the phone, I can talk them through, 00:14:09.786 --> 00:14:16.975 they can fix; otherwise, there's times where I'll visit them in person and fix those issues. 00:14:24.066 --> 00:14:26.365 So if we do the ice cream on Thursday night, 00:14:26.366 --> 00:14:29.895 Then do we have all our other evening activities covered? 00:14:29.896 --> 00:14:33.555 Long before camp starts in August, our staff is planning the program 00:14:33.556 --> 00:14:36.905 and all the details that go into making it successful. 00:14:36.906 --> 00:14:42.865 There's a long list to consider, including classes, instructors, field trips, dorm rooms, 00:14:42.866 --> 00:14:47.825 food, computer labs, volunteers, interns, accommodations for activities, 00:14:47.826 --> 00:14:51.785 and supporting students who are beginning to learn about independence. 00:14:51.786 --> 00:14:54.545 For a lot of them, this is the first time where they're staying away overnight, 00:14:54.546 --> 00:14:58.325 and that brings up a lot of issues, not only their issues of being away from Mom and Dad 00:14:58.326 --> 00:15:02.135 for the first time, but it's figuring out how they're going to take care of the things 00:15:02.136 --> 00:15:06.465 that Mom and Dad have always taken care of for them, how to manage their medications; 00:15:06.466 --> 00:15:11.405 how to; for those of them who need personal care, are they going to have to hire somebody, 00:15:11.406 --> 00:15:13.515 or is that something they can do on their own? 00:15:14.516 --> 00:15:19.715 [ Music ] 00:15:19.716 --> 00:15:19.745 Ooh, we've got a double bypass in progress here, huh? 00:15:19.746 --> 00:15:24.735 We want to get them excited about things that they might be doing in the future; 00:15:24.736 --> 00:15:29.545 we like to give them a lot of hands-on or kind of demonstration-type activities, 00:15:29.546 --> 00:15:32.185 'cause that seems to hold their interest and attention. 00:15:32.186 --> 00:15:35.575 Today, we're going to use solar ovens to cook hotdogs. 00:15:35.576 --> 00:15:40.175 Over the years, we've offered solar cooking classes, sheep heart labs, 00:15:40.176 --> 00:15:44.595 astronomy classes, computer workshops, and trips to the seismology lab. 00:15:44.596 --> 00:15:48.355 Particularly in the summertime at St. Helens, it dries out a lot. 00:15:48.356 --> 00:15:50.575 It's quite dangerous inside the crater at St. Helens... 00:15:50.576 --> 00:15:55.295 We try to find professors that have been involved with perhaps K through 12 00:15:55.296 --> 00:16:00.044 or just high school programs, there's several professors on campus that are involved 00:16:00.046 --> 00:16:04.115 with those programs and have interest in working with high school students. 00:16:04.116 --> 00:16:08.205 We've built a network of people on and off campus who like to work with us, 00:16:08.206 --> 00:16:12.125 both online as Mentors and on-site as Summer Study instructors. 00:16:12.126 --> 00:16:14.565 ...and it's good to have people to talk to... 00:16:14.566 --> 00:16:18.445 Besides the classes, adults lead discussion groups on asking for accommodations 00:16:18.446 --> 00:16:21.215 from professors and applying for jobs. 00:16:21.216 --> 00:16:24.065 I'm deaf, and I have an interpreter, Microsoft makes sure 00:16:24.066 --> 00:16:26.615 that I have an interpreter whenever I need one... 00:16:26.616 --> 00:16:29.515 We recruit people from our campus and the community, 00:16:29.516 --> 00:16:32.245 people who are successful in careers and in life. 00:16:32.246 --> 00:16:37.215 And there we are, six of us, on the top of the mountain. 00:16:37.216 --> 00:16:42.125 We find adults with disabilities to serve as role models for our students. 00:16:42.126 --> 00:16:47.825 Pete Rieke, he came and talked about his snow pod experience; I love camping, 00:16:47.826 --> 00:16:50.965 hiking, so that really interests me. 00:16:50.966 --> 00:16:54.655 Then, we also plan a lot of fun. 00:16:54.656 --> 00:16:59.825 I think I had most fun at, like, the zoo, when you're allowed to go explore, 00:16:59.826 --> 00:17:05.055 kind of in small groups, or on the scavenger hunt, when you're wandering around campus 00:17:05.056 --> 00:17:09.080 and you get to kind of... be a little more independent. 00:17:11.081 --> 00:17:13.145 [ Music ] 00:17:12.146 --> 00:17:15.065 The college experience is a lot more than academics, and sometimes, 00:17:15.066 --> 00:17:20.325 especially if you're a student with a disability, I think there can be a tendency 00:17:20.326 --> 00:17:23.795 to be so focused on what do I need for my classroom accommodations, 00:17:23.796 --> 00:17:29.195 how am I going to succeed academically, that you can ignore all the other things that are going 00:17:29.196 --> 00:17:32.665 on on a college campus, which, for a lot of us, 00:17:32.666 --> 00:17:36.515 were some of the most memorable and meaningful experiences. 00:17:37.516 --> 00:17:41.215 [ Music ] 00:17:41.216 --> 00:17:43.705 Part of the college experience is living in a dorm, 00:17:43.706 --> 00:17:46.875 eating in the cafeteria, and making new friends. 00:17:46.876 --> 00:17:51.105 During the DO-IT summer program, we provide that experience-with a lot 00:17:51.106 --> 00:17:53.865 of consideration given to safety and comfort. 00:17:53.866 --> 00:17:58.655 Early in our planning, we meet with the conference services staff, who've been terrific, 00:17:58.656 --> 00:18:04.714 and over the years have gotten to know us and the students that come quite well. 00:18:04.716 --> 00:18:10.565 And they're very diligent about not only making sure that the services and accommodations work 00:18:10.566 --> 00:18:13.835 for our group, but they take it quite seriously to make sure 00:18:13.836 --> 00:18:18.535 that they're doing an educational effort with the staff that are going to be serving food 00:18:18.536 --> 00:18:23.015 in the cafeterias, or the dorm staff that are going to be at the desk. 00:18:23.016 --> 00:18:26.275 And we really appreciate that, and I think it makes a big difference for the students, 00:18:26.276 --> 00:18:29.515 and hopefully it also paves the way for other students with disabilities 00:18:29.516 --> 00:18:32.085 who might be using those facilities. 00:18:32.086 --> 00:18:33.745 Here you go. 00:18:33.746 --> 00:18:35.665 I got the light. 00:18:35.136 --> 00:18:39.845 Safety is a concern with any group of students staying in a campus facility. 00:18:39.846 --> 00:18:44.035 For DO-IT Scholars, we address additional considerations about communication 00:18:44.036 --> 00:18:46.405 and evacuation in case of emergency. 00:18:46.406 --> 00:18:50.485 DO-IT staff members reside on each floor that houses students, 00:18:50.486 --> 00:18:55.445 and we plan emergency procedures with both the dorm staff and the scholars themselves. 00:18:55.446 --> 00:18:58.745 We also communicate with emergency medical services, the police, 00:18:58.746 --> 00:19:02.000 and the fire departments, as part of our safety planning. 00:19:02.009 --> 00:19:05.675 Campers eat in the dorm dining room for breakfast and dinner, 00:19:05.676 --> 00:19:08.244 and in other campus restaurants for lunch. 00:19:08.246 --> 00:19:11.235 If a student needs a specific diet for health reasons 00:19:11.236 --> 00:19:14.995 or because chewing is difficult, we'll arrange for that. 00:19:14.996 --> 00:19:18.545 We'll teach the student how to make that request in a college cafeteria. 00:19:18.546 --> 00:19:25.515 And before camp starts, we shop for LOTS of snacks. 00:19:25.516 --> 00:19:31.435 [ Music ] 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:33.000 Well, that'll last a couple days. 00:19:33.516 --> 00:19:38.055 [ Music ] 00:19:38.056 --> 00:19:39.375 Both on campus and for field trips, 00:19:39.376 --> 00:19:42.315 we have to consider moving students from place to place. 00:19:42.316 --> 00:19:47.675 To move between activities on campus, DO-IT rents wheelchair-accessible vans. 00:19:47.676 --> 00:19:51.125 For the around-campus transportation, it's usually not the kids that have power chairs; 00:19:51.126 --> 00:19:54.755 it's either the kids that have manual chairs, when we're going up or down a big hill, 00:19:54.756 --> 00:19:58.285 that can be kind of a challenge for them; and then the kids that have mobility impairments 00:19:58.286 --> 00:20:02.925 that use walkers or just have kind of low mobility, but aren't using chairs, 00:20:02.926 --> 00:20:04.944 that really tend to have a hard time going the distances. 00:20:04.946 --> 00:20:09.915 01:44:53 Students who are blind may also have concerns about getting around campus, 00:20:09.916 --> 00:20:13.435 and we often pair them with other Scholars or Interns. 00:20:13.436 --> 00:20:16.285 For field trips to Microsoft, the Pacific Science Center, 00:20:16.286 --> 00:20:19.515 and other locations, we rent accessible buses. 00:20:19.516 --> 00:20:25.195 The first year that we tried to reserve buses it was a major headache, it was a lot of, 00:20:25.196 --> 00:20:27.535 "What, you want a wheelchair bus for how many kids??" 00:20:27.536 --> 00:20:29.155 This is Valerie with the DO-IT program... 00:20:29.156 --> 00:20:32.705 Now we work with the same companies year after year, 00:20:32.706 --> 00:20:35.040 and they're very supportive of the program. 00:20:39.066 --> 00:20:41.545 Great, thanks. 00:20:41.546 --> 00:20:44.555 Communication is an important part of the DO-IT program. 00:20:44.556 --> 00:20:47.985 We use the Internet, we use paper, we talk, we meet, 00:20:47.986 --> 00:20:50.795 and we make sure that everybody knows exactly what to expect. 00:20:50.796 --> 00:20:53.285 Lyla, when are you going to be coming over? 00:20:53.286 --> 00:20:55.955 We use teleconferencing for our staff meetings, 00:20:55.956 --> 00:20:59.615 in order to include both our Seattle and Spokane offices. 00:20:59.616 --> 00:21:02.275 So my thought was, we focus on the knowledge base... 00:21:02.276 --> 00:21:05.855 There's a huge amount of interaction during the planning process. 00:21:05.856 --> 00:21:10.275 A lot of our early meetings are actually walking through, day by day, 00:21:10.276 --> 00:21:15.725 talking about how we're moving the group from one place to another, what equipment has 00:21:15.726 --> 00:21:22.535 to be there, what supplies are needed for a given session, who's preparing the next site, 00:21:22.536 --> 00:21:26.735 what's happening with the Interns as well as the Scholars. 00:21:26.736 --> 00:21:31.025 Then, we're able to anticipate both where we might run into trouble, where we might need 00:21:31.026 --> 00:21:33.615 to have additional staff assisting, 00:21:33.616 --> 00:21:38.045 and hopefully where we might have a problem and need to make an adjustment. 00:21:38.046 --> 00:21:42.165 Communication with parents and Scholars involves many forms to fill out. 00:21:42.166 --> 00:21:44.795 Oh, hey Mom, can you help me come sign this? 00:21:44.796 --> 00:21:48.535 Besides all the usual emergency contacts and permission forms, 00:21:48.536 --> 00:21:54.195 DO-IT gathers information on accommodations for dorms, diet, classes, and transportation. 00:21:54.196 --> 00:21:59.145 A DO-IT staff member also calls families for a personal discussion of these issues. 00:21:59.146 --> 00:22:04.405 When we're planning for the dorms, one thing that's really important is that we work 00:22:04.406 --> 00:22:09.905 with the students ahead of time, we talk to them on the phone; and we also...we try to focus 00:22:09.906 --> 00:22:14.355 on the students, but we do have conversations with their parents in terms 00:22:14.356 --> 00:22:21.115 of specific accommodations that they need, in terms of living in the dorm 00:22:21.116 --> 00:22:26.185 and personal care-type issues, and those are really important to address ahead of time. 00:22:26.586 --> 00:22:28.465 During spring planning, 00:22:28.466 --> 00:22:32.485 Phase III Scholars may apply for internships at Summer Study. 00:22:32.486 --> 00:22:36.255 In early spring, the Scholars are invited to do their internship. 00:22:36.256 --> 00:22:41.715 And to apply, they have to send a current resume and fill out an application 00:22:41.716 --> 00:22:45.615 which includes several essay questions about why they would like to be an Intern 00:22:45.616 --> 00:22:49.595 and what they have to offer to the program, and things of that nature. 00:22:49.596 --> 00:22:52.645 There's also communication with our community at large. 00:22:52.646 --> 00:22:55.415 Publicity includes sending press releases to television, 00:22:55.416 --> 00:22:57.785 radio, and newspapers around the state. 00:22:57.786 --> 00:23:00.414 We think that our press releases are really important, 00:23:00.416 --> 00:23:05.015 because we really like the community to know what we're doing here at our Summer Study. 00:23:05.016 --> 00:23:09.815 We send out major press releases to a lot of the bigger local papers 00:23:09.816 --> 00:23:11.795 and then some national papers as well. 00:23:11.796 --> 00:23:16.615 And then we tailor a press release for the home towns of different Scholars. 00:23:16.616 --> 00:23:19.925 So that's pretty exciting for them to see their name in the paper, too. 00:23:19.926 --> 00:23:25.085 One group that you'll be with will be at the Science Center. 00:23:25.086 --> 00:23:25.535 Okay. 00:23:25.536 --> 00:23:30.125 Once Summer Study begins, staff members are in constant communication. 00:23:30.126 --> 00:23:34.785 Despite all our planning, things can change unexpectedly, and we keep in touch 00:23:34.786 --> 00:23:38.435 by cell phone, two-way radio, e-mail, and in person. 00:23:38.436 --> 00:23:43.485 There's often a glitch, whether it be, you know, a reservation for a bus 00:23:43.486 --> 00:23:47.665 that didn't come through or something completely unexpected that we didn't anticipate. 00:23:47.666 --> 00:23:53.145 Our strategy is really to do what we need to do to fix it at the moment, 00:23:53.146 --> 00:23:57.245 and then usually a couple of people at least take note of it, and then we talk about it later 00:23:57.246 --> 00:24:00.085 on to figure out how to avoid it for next year. 00:24:00.086 --> 00:24:03.875 Can anyone remember which discussion list, which distribution list is the one 00:24:03.876 --> 00:24:05.545 where most of the discussions occur? 00:24:05.546 --> 00:24:09.984 And of course, during Summer Study, we are constantly communicating with Scholars. 00:24:09.986 --> 00:24:15.905 Every one of you is going to send out a question to the doitchat list. 00:24:15.906 --> 00:24:20.705 Periodically, I help Scholars connect what they've just learned with earlier lessons. 00:24:20.706 --> 00:24:24.865 We also discuss how these activities apply to college, careers, and life. 00:24:24.866 --> 00:24:30.075 And we talk about how Scholars can keep building knowledge and relationships by communicating 00:24:30.076 --> 00:24:33.915 with peers and mentors in DO-IT's year-round Internet community. 00:24:33.916 --> 00:24:36.805 I think it's a great way for the mentors and the students to keep 00:24:36.806 --> 00:24:40.585 in touch during the school year, when we might be thousands of miles apart. 00:24:40.586 --> 00:24:44.925 When I met Ed Pottharst, I never really knew any adults 00:24:44.926 --> 00:24:48.505 that had a hearing impairment, so I wondered what my life would be like, 00:24:48.506 --> 00:24:50.285 because I have a major handicap, and... 00:24:50.286 --> 00:24:58.015 but when I met him, I was so surprised how he had such a normal life, and he had a family, 00:24:58.016 --> 00:25:00.315 and he worked with people that had normal hearing, 00:25:00.316 --> 00:25:05.015 and so that made me feel a lot better about my future. 00:25:10.766 --> 00:25:15.835 Scholars bring their DO-IT laptops and assistive technology to use during Summer Study. 00:25:15.836 --> 00:25:18.955 Staff members network these computers for academic activities. 00:25:18.956 --> 00:25:22.315 The summer program, I'm in charge of the computer lab, 00:25:22.316 --> 00:25:30.835 so that entails making sure we've got 24, 25 computers set up, networked to the UW network, 00:25:30.836 --> 00:25:35.635 including an instructor station with presentation capability, 00:25:35.636 --> 00:25:38.665 probably VCR, and some other things as well. 00:25:38.666 --> 00:25:45.665 We set up the hubs at multiple tables and run network cable all across the room, 00:25:45.666 --> 00:25:52.515 and then we have to tape everything down so that people aren't tripping over that. 00:25:52.516 --> 00:25:55.325 [ Music ] 00:25:55.326 --> 00:25:58.895 Well, I think this one's ready to go. 00:25:58.896 --> 00:26:01.615 Organizing supplies is a big job. 00:26:01.616 --> 00:26:04.795 Over the years, we've accumulated some things, like games 00:26:04.796 --> 00:26:08.115 and science lab supplies, that are used each summer. 00:26:08.116 --> 00:26:10.865 As we purchase supplies and games, it's really important for us to keep 00:26:10.866 --> 00:26:13.585 in mind the different abilities of the different participants, 00:26:13.586 --> 00:26:18.375 so we try to go with a wide variety of different types of games, from real hands-on type stuff 00:26:18.376 --> 00:26:22.125 to more brain-oriented thinking-type games. 00:26:22.126 --> 00:26:24.185 Oh, here's Braille playing cards! 00:26:24.186 --> 00:26:25.305 Oh, wow! 00:26:25.306 --> 00:26:29.065 We make sure that games and academic materials are accessible to students 00:26:29.066 --> 00:26:31.265 with various types of disabilities. 00:26:31.266 --> 00:26:33.865 One example is making game cards in Braille. 00:26:33.866 --> 00:26:35.715 That's pretty cool. 00:26:35.716 --> 00:26:39.625 This is the sheep heart dissection science activity, and so it's really important 00:26:39.626 --> 00:26:43.145 that we have the Braille instructions and the raised line drawings, 00:26:43.146 --> 00:26:45.045 so that everyone can participate. 00:26:45.046 --> 00:26:48.715 Much of what we use needs to be purchased each year, such as sheep hearts 00:26:48.716 --> 00:26:51.295 for labs and snacks for students. 00:26:51.296 --> 00:26:52.925 Timing is everything. 00:26:52.926 --> 00:26:56.125 Inventory is always a challenge, because some of the items are perishable, 00:26:56.126 --> 00:27:01.175 like our beverages and snacks, so we start buying items early in the spring 00:27:01.176 --> 00:27:07.055 and try to have all the non-perishables in house by at least a month before summer study, 00:27:07.056 --> 00:27:12.395 and that way we can focus on the more challenging parts of the schedule and logistics 00:27:12.396 --> 00:27:14.515 as we get closer to Summer Study. 00:27:15.516 --> 00:27:18.045 [ Music ] 00:27:18.046 --> 00:27:21.625 As our plans go together, we build a notebook for each Scholar. 00:27:21.626 --> 00:27:24.105 Here's everything the kids and the parents need to know. 00:27:25.106 --> 00:27:27.445 Just put them in here? 00:27:27.446 --> 00:27:28.485 Mmhmm. 00:27:28.486 --> 00:27:30.985 The binders are pretty important for Scholars. 00:27:30.986 --> 00:27:35.845 In there, they'll find all the printed information about accommodations and careers 00:27:35.846 --> 00:27:39.815 and college, and we like them to have those binders to take home with them, 00:27:39.816 --> 00:27:43.575 so that after Summer Study they have all those references in one place. 00:27:43.576 --> 00:27:45.285 So we also are giving you your notebooks back, 00:27:45.286 --> 00:27:47.115 and I'm going to mention this to parents.... 00:27:47.116 --> 00:27:48.995 The information is also available 00:27:48.996 --> 00:27:52.595 in alternate formats, such as Braille and large print. 00:27:52.596 --> 00:27:55.845 The notebooks make great references once Summer Study is over. 00:27:55.846 --> 00:27:58.845 When you get home and you ask your child what they did in the summer program 00:27:58.846 --> 00:28:02.785 and they say, "Oh, nothing," then you can look in the notebook, 00:28:02.786 --> 00:28:04.365 that's what they did in the summer program. 00:28:04.366 --> 00:28:08.615 There's some useful resources in there, including national and statewide resources 00:28:08.616 --> 00:28:12.515 for parents of students with disabilities. 00:28:12.516 --> 00:28:21.255 [ Music ] 00:28:21.256 --> 00:28:24.525 What we're going to do this morning is an Internet scavenger hunt. 00:28:24.526 --> 00:28:25.485 Judge. 00:28:25.486 --> 00:28:30.675 The payoff for all our planning is two intense weeks of fun and learning. 00:28:30.676 --> 00:28:37.175 We went to the zoo, Pacific Science Center, and Microsoft. 00:28:37.176 --> 00:28:41.095 You make so many friends here, and they can be lifetime friends... 00:28:41.096 --> 00:28:44.175 The dance was also a wonderful thing... 00:28:44.176 --> 00:28:49.135 This magnet seems to be attracted, because the light is going down... 00:28:49.136 --> 00:28:54.105 The classes that really made me involved were science, 00:28:54.106 --> 00:28:58.105 and the labs, and including the computers. 00:28:58.106 --> 00:28:58.225 Ewww. 00:28:58.226 --> 00:29:02.645 I really enjoyed the sheep heart lab that we did. 00:29:02.646 --> 00:29:03.994 I want you to touch this. 00:29:03.996 --> 00:29:05.165 Touch this one. 00:29:05.166 --> 00:29:08.785 Probably the bioengineering one, that was pretty interesting; I'd never really thought 00:29:08.786 --> 00:29:11.805 about engineering and stuff like that, but that really tweaked my interest. 00:29:11.806 --> 00:29:16.285 Try stopping again, Jessie, so you can...oops [laughs] 00:29:16.286 --> 00:29:21.265 One that is consistently just fabulously reviewed by all the kids is SKIFORALL. 00:29:21.266 --> 00:29:25.425 They bring all these different bikes that have all these different adaptations, 00:29:25.426 --> 00:29:29.135 so that kids with any disability, they figure out a way to get them on a bike. 00:29:29.136 --> 00:29:32.655 So this class isn't about teaching creativity. 00:29:32.656 --> 00:29:35.585 It's about releasing creativity. 00:29:35.586 --> 00:29:41.405 When camp is over, Scholars take home more than a computer. 00:29:41.406 --> 00:29:44.285 The biggest lesson that we hope they walk away with is the ability 00:29:44.286 --> 00:29:47.375 to be more self-reliant, to be able to speak up for yourself 00:29:47.376 --> 00:29:50.315 and know what you need and what you don't need. 00:29:50.316 --> 00:29:53.665 I'm, like, more comfortable about my disability and being 00:29:53.666 --> 00:29:56.305 around others, now, than I was before. 00:29:56.306 --> 00:30:01.505 And aware of certain things I need and not afraid to ask for help when I need it. 00:30:01.506 --> 00:30:04.015 Well, the technology they've given me has allowed me 00:30:04.016 --> 00:30:09.984 to do everything totally independently, and I guess that's been the biggest help, 00:30:09.986 --> 00:30:16.855 and also just the network of people, you get to meet a lot of very diverse people, 00:30:16.856 --> 00:30:21.335 and form relationships with them that can last a long time. 00:30:21.336 --> 00:30:27.545 You see these tight bonds forming, and everyone's helping everyone else and learning 00:30:27.546 --> 00:30:31.905 to be advocates for themselves and get what they need. 00:30:31.906 --> 00:30:35.035 It's been a remarkable process to watch. 00:30:35.036 --> 00:30:39.885 I'm definitely planning, when I go back to school, to apply some of the skills 00:30:39.886 --> 00:30:43.935 that I've learned, such as self-advocacy and independence, to my everyday life. 00:30:44.936 --> 00:30:50.000 So congratulations to the Phase I Scholars, you are now Phase II Scholars. 00:30:50.000 --> 00:30:52.475 Let's give them a round of applause. 00:30:55.946 --> 00:31:00.425 As they leave camp, Scholars are beginning a long-term connection with DO-IT. 00:31:00.426 --> 00:31:03.925 Unlike a lot of programs, DO-IT doesn't really go away from your life. 00:31:03.926 --> 00:31:08.125 It's more like a family, you know, you've become part of the DO-IT family now. 00:31:08.126 --> 00:31:10.145 Carson, have you met Tynesha? 00:31:10.146 --> 00:31:14.635 DO-IT stays connected with Scholars and parents in various ways throughout the year. 00:31:14.636 --> 00:31:18.035 Mostly, it's within our online community of mentors and peers. 00:31:18.036 --> 00:31:21.455 Sometimes it's a videoconference pizza party. 00:31:21.456 --> 00:31:23.515 I see Travis. 00:31:26.516 --> 00:31:30.765 I can see clearly now, the rain is gone... 00:31:30.766 --> 00:31:34.895 And each year in Summer Study, mentors, Scholars, and staff 00:31:34.896 --> 00:31:37.765 get together in person for food and fun. 00:31:38.766 --> 00:31:45.045 Yes, it's gonna be a bright, bright, bright, bright sunshiny day...yeah! 00:31:46.046 --> 00:31:50.755 DO-IT Pals, an electronic community of students with disabilities... 00:31:50.755 --> 00:31:55.500 Through internet discussion list, students keep in touch with each other and adult mentors. 00:31:56.000 --> 00:31:58.200 My mentor was really encouraging and made sure that, I knew I had the 00:31:58.200 --> 00:32:02.500 capability to do what ever I wanted to do. 00:32:02.466 --> 00:32:04.825 Making friends is really big. 00:32:04.826 --> 00:32:08.525 I mean, I have friends from all over, you know, and e-mailing them and keeping 00:32:08.526 --> 00:32:10.285 in touch with them, that's great. 00:32:10.286 --> 00:32:10.955 I like that. 00:32:10.956 --> 00:32:11.775 A lot. 00:32:11.776 --> 00:32:16.125 Those ongoing connections are part of what makes DO-IT so powerful. 00:32:16.126 --> 00:32:22.775 I plan on staying in this program for awhile, maybe forever; 00:32:22.776 --> 00:32:26.155 I mean, it's fun, I've had a blast. 00:32:26.156 --> 00:32:30.385 You have all that support behind you, but really it's up to you. 00:32:30.385 --> 00:32:34.905 And your the one that actually gets to use the information, or not use it. 00:32:34.906 --> 00:32:39.355 The DO-IT program is all about being connected 00:32:39.356 --> 00:32:43.115 to people and staying as a family forever. 00:32:43.116 --> 00:32:47.425 DO-IT's secret to success lies in three simple but vital points. 00:32:47.426 --> 00:32:52.995 First, we rest our practices on decades of research that tells us what works. 00:32:52.996 --> 00:32:57.225 Second, we develop program plans in detail. 00:32:57.226 --> 00:33:02.405 And finally, we never lose sight of our ultimate goal of college 00:33:02.406 --> 00:33:05.255 and career success for students with disabilities. 00:33:05.256 --> 00:33:09.315 We continually evaluate our programs through focus groups 00:33:09.316 --> 00:33:12.455 and surveys of participants and parents. 00:33:12.456 --> 00:33:16.075 Most importantly, we track the success of the DO-IT Scholars. 00:33:16.076 --> 00:33:21.075 They show us that DO-IT is worth doing.